Pandas prove too much for Dinos

CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos women’s volleyball team hit the floor in the Jack Simpson Gym for their final home game of the regular season Saturday evening for their second straight match against the University of Alberta Pandas.

Following a highly contested Friday night game that went to four sets in Alberta’s favour, the Pandas completed their weekend sweep of the Dinos 3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25-13).

Fifth-year outside hitter Kenzie Vaandering reflected on her time as a Dino on Senior’s night post-game.

“It’s been a journey for me, being in the back row originally and going through the years of playing different roles,” Vaandering said. “I’m happy to leave with a love for the game and we have such young talent that I think (within) the next few years, they’re going to be really good. I hope I taught them a few skills along the way.”

Once again, the Dinos and Pandas put together an entertaining first set for fans as things went back and forth throughout the match. In an exhilarating play that found Carolyn Berze racing to the back of the gym to save the ball for Calgary, the Dinos were able to keep the score tied at 22. However, the Pandas would solve the Dinos’ resilient efforts and win the set 25-23.

The Pandas took care of business in set two and put together a twelve-point run to make the score 24-12. After a quick two points for the Dinos, Lauryn Tremblay would slam home a kill to seal set two 25-14.

Despite a disappointing second set, the Dinos kept pace with the Pandas in the early stages of set three, resulting in a score of 5-5. From there, Alberta figured out the Dinos and orchestrated a 16-2 run leading to a 21-7 score, eventually winning the game, 25-13.

Kory White paved the way for the Pandas offense once again as she recorded 14 kills. Vanessa Jarman and Lauryn Tremblay contributed nine kills each to secure Alberta’s dominant win.

Sophie Reed and Regan Ingram led the Dinos in kills with 9 and 8 respectively.

Before nationals take place in a little under a month at the Jack Simpson Gym, the Dinos will wrap up the regular season next weekend in Edmonton as they get set for the MacEwan Griffins in the David Atkinson Gym, Feb. 25-26. Meanwhile, the Pandas will return to their home gym in the Saville Community Sports Centre to take on the Mount Royal University Cougars. Catch all the regular season finale action on Canada West TV, presented by Co-op.